Joints and connections – Articulated members – Pivoted
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-10
2001-03-27
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3629)
Joints and connections
Articulated members
Pivoted
C403S132000, C403S134000, C403S122000, C403S143000, C403S004000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06206604
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a plug-in coupling for mounting a member to projection means provided with a ball-shaped bead adapted to be inserted into a female part by a snapping action. More particularly the invention relates to a plug-in coupling for mounting a cover to a bolt.
Plug-in couplings comprising a ball-shaped male part and a ball-shaped female part to be connected by a snapping action are known in the prior art. Such plug-in couplings are adapted to removably mount one member to another member.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a plug-in coupling to be coupled by a snapping action and adapted to dampen vibrations.
To this end the present invention provides a plug-in coupling wherein said female part is formed as an elastomeric, deformable and cup-shaped insert member adapted to be inserted into a socket provided at said member so as to be positively retained within said socket.
The resilient insert member of the present invention provides for vibration dampening characteristics. The insert member is made of rubber or elastomeric plastics and is relatively soft and resiliently deformable to be inserted into a socket. Within the insert member there is provided the ball-shaped female part into which the ball-shaped male part of an other member may be inserted. The cross section of said insert member is designed so as to provide, together with the resilient material for excellent vibration absorbing characteristics. Furthermore, stiffening means are provided to this end.
On the other hand the resilient insert member is positively retained within the socket and this provides for secure retention thereof and allows for disassembly of the plug-in coupling without removal of the insert member from the socket. Assembly of the insert member may be performed by sliding the insert member into a the socket in lateral or axial directions with respect to a longitudinal axis of the plug-in coupling.
Accordingly the present invention provides a plug-in coupling between two members, which is protected from chattering, which is adapted to dampen vibrations, and which can be readily assembled. Furthermore, the plug-in coupling may be readily mounted to the underside of a member. Assembly from below allows to provide for a closed top surface as is desired for example with motor covers.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4904107 (1990-02-01), Fukukawa et al.
patent: 5409320 (1995-04-01), Maury et al.
patent: 5615967 (1997-04-01), Hellon
patent: 5743669 (1998-04-01), Fujita et al.
patent: 5876148 (1999-03-01), Kraps
patent: 3242573 C2 (1985-04-01), None
patent: 41366 (1925-05-01), None
patent: 0 098 131 (1984-01-01), None
Copy of German Search Report dated Feb. 5, 1998 (3 pages).
Dembowsky Hans-Joachim
Fangmann Herbert
Hauck Peter
Süssenbach Rainer
Bollhoff GmbH
Browne Lynne H.
Garcia Ernesto
Harness & Dickey & Pierce P.L.C.
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